Fiddling Across the Atlantic

Christopher Columbus is generally credited with having "discovered" America in 1492. However, a Spanish report from 1521 provides evidence that there were, in fact, Irish settlers in America prior to Columbus' journey. Legend tells us that a sixth-century monk named Saint Brendan sailed to North America on a small wood-framed boat. His alleged journey is detailed in the ancient annals of Ireland. This set of original fiddle tunes maps out the transformation of fiddle music. Starting with a jig in the traditional Irish style, transitioning into a reel with some Americana influence, and then launching into a final section that borrows heavily from Appalachian fiddling tradition. Each section is given the opportunity to fiddle, implementing techniques, rhythms, and articulations typical of the style.